Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, "Hairspray Live!" takes place in 1962 Baltimore. Teen Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on "The Corny Collins Show," a local TV program. When against all odds Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight and meets a colorful array of characters, including the resident dreamboat, Link; the ambitious mean girl, Amber; an African American boy she meets in detention, Seaweed; and his mother, Motormouth Maybelle, the owner of a local record store.

Tracy's mother is the indomitable Edna, and she eventually encourages Tracy on her campaign to integrate the all-white "Corny Collins Show."

We caught up with Chenoweth, who spoke about both her attraction to the role and what still gives the veteran performer a case of the jitters after all these years.

Q: What initially attracted you to the project?

A: I heard rumors they were going to do Hairspray and then I got a phone call saying they want you to do Velma. I thought she was a fun character. Then the elections happened. There's nothing greater than entertainment. We could be doing any musical and they're doing Hairspray at the exact perfect moment for obvious reasons. It's a show about what unifies us instead of what divides us. I think that’s where we’re at in the country.

Q: Does a project like come with less anxiety since you have experience performing live on the Broadway stage?

A: I love performing live. It's my favorite way to perform. But it’s also one time. When I’m doing a film you can cut or repeat. This is a one shot deal. I don’t get anxious over doing a live performance. I get anxious over only being able to do it once.

Q: Have you been able to coach or assist some of your co-stars who've never performed live before?

A: I’ve been in rehearsals now and not one person...not one..seems like they haven’t done this before. That’s a testament to how well they cast it and how well it’s being directed and choreographed. Everyone feels at ease. There’s a sense that we’re in it together, so we’re like a bonded family. That’s why I love theater so much. You come together in a special way. We’re in this together.

Q: Have any of your co-stars surprised you with how well they've adapted to the live concept?

A: No one because each and every one of them has performed to their ability. I’m speechless because I think each of them is making the performer next to them better.

Q: You see yourself doing more projects like this in the future?

A: If I’m asked and if it feels right. This is an opportunity for my relatives in Oklahoma who can’t afford to go to a Broadway show and get a hotel and dinner to watch. This is everything that I love and I’m so glad NBC started it.